2024-2025 Program and Budget Handbook

School Based PSW Services: Multi-Tiered System of Mental Health and School Social Work Support Universal Strategies & Services • Targeted Strategies & Services

Implement culturally responsive universal/early intervention strategies aimed at promoting critical wellness and social-emotional well-being • Work closely with school leaders to transform and create school climates that are affirming and inclusive • Conduct universal needs assessments to identify students’ risk and protective factors using standardized assessment tools • Collect and analyze data to identify trauma exposure and social-emotional needs to effectively triage and provide appropriate services • Provide classroom interventions using the FOCUS Resilience Curriculum, Erika’s Lighthouse, and other evidence-based/informed interventions and community defined best practices • Implement an array of school-wide campaigns and initiatives that promote welcoming learning environments, strong relationships, school connectedness, whole-child well-being, and strong social-emotional skills, mental health, and wellness • Coordinate graduate level social work intern training programs to maximize mental health support to schools while promoting a mental health career pathway • Provide professional development and training opportunities for students, parents, caregivers, and staff on topics such as: o Mental Health Awareness o Psychological First Aid o Staff Wellness and Self Care o Trauma and Resilience Informed Schools o Crisis Preparedness, Response, and Recovery o Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention (including self-injury)

• Engage parents and caregivers through psychoeducation and training (i.e., FOCUS for Parents, Resilience Curriculum, and other trauma informed interventions or workshops) • Conduct social emotional assessments, triage, and referrals and linkages to school/community health, mental health, and basic needs resources • Serve as an active member of school-based multidisciplinary teams to provide a mental health and whole-child well-being perspective • Support District, Regional and School initiatives, such as but not limited to: iATTEND, Every School Safe, PBIS/Restorative Practices, conflict mediation, bullying prevention, etc. • Provide group interventions using the FOCUS Resilience Curriculum, Erika’s Lighthouse, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), and other evidence based/informed interventions and community defined best practices Intensive Strategies & Services • As a member of the Multidisciplinary School Site Crisis Team, collaboratively provides individual and schoolwide crisis response, intervention, and management support • Provide individual, group, and family counseling • Assess and manage suicide/threat risk assessments, including the development and implementation of reentry and safety plans, and behavior contracts • Collaborate with other specialized service providers, school administrators, teachers, parents, community partners to coordinate care for students with intensive and moderate mental and/or behavioral health needs

o Self-Injury Education and Awareness o Threat Assessment and Management o Inclusive and Welcoming Environments

For further information about funding Psychiatric Social Worker services for your school site or program, please contact LaKisha Johnson, Interim Director, at (213) 241-3841 lakisha.bridgewater@lausd.net.

55